The Study
Effect of swearing on physical performance: a mini-review
This study looked at a bunch of smaller experiments that found people did a little better at short, intense exercises when they swore. But it didn’t prove swearing made them stronger—it just noticed a pattern. Think of it like noticing people who eat more ice cream also get more sunburns—both happen together, but one doesn’t cause the other.
Analysis score
Maximum 5 for a narrative review.
Where the score came from
When people say swear words really fast during short, super-hard exercises like lifting or holding a plank, they can push harder and last longer — like their brain gives them a little extra boost.
Where does this study sit?
Reviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert Opinion
Max 52 / 100
Quality score
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of cohort studies. They sit above a single cohort study but below a single randomized trial, because the underlying evidence is still observational.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1Yes — these gains are as big as what elite athletes gain in a whole year of training, so even small improvements matter a lot in sports.
- 2People got 8% to 22% stronger or longer when swearing — for example, holding a plank 12% longer or squeezing a grip 8% harder.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
Frontiers in Psychology
Year
2024
Authors
Nicholas B. Washmuth, Richard Stephens, Christopher G. Ballmann
Related Content
Claims (6)
Swearing while performing brief, intense physical activities leads to higher psychological arousal, lower perceived effort, and better performance.
During physical exertion, people who swear report higher pain tolerance and lower pain perception, and this reduction in pain sensitivity partially explains why their physical performance improves.
Swearing increases physical performance by raising emotional arousal and reducing behavioral inhibition, but these psychological changes are not confirmed as the main reason for the improvement.
People who repeat swear words during short, high-intensity physical exercises show higher performance levels than when they repeat neutral words, with improvements between 8% and 22% in controlled lab tests.
Swearing improves physical performance in laboratory tests regardless of which words are used, how often they are said, or whether they are spoken before or during the task.
Repeatedly swearing during physical activity reduces its ability to enhance performance over time, just as it reduces its ability to reduce pain with repeated use.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.